what is the bCDA?

The Berwick College Dance Academy (BCDA)  is a full-time academic and dance program which will link students’ educational pursuits with their performing arts interests. The program caters for passionate and aspiring artists, increases student engagement and improves student outcomes. It is designed to prepare students for VCE Dance, VET Dance and Theatre Studies, as well as the world of professional dance.

The program caters for many styles of dance including Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre and Hip-hop, as well as options to undertake Music and Drama. Students will also study a range of core subjects that include Mathematics, English, Humanities, Physical Education, Science and LOTE.

The BCDA focuses on individual pathways, 21st Century learning and the creation of a professional resume and portfolio. As well as learning from an industry expert at the College, students will engage in an extensive dance program including professional workshops, excursions and incursions, and performances within the College as well as in the local and wider community. Each and every student will be provided with a rich and meaningful experience that aims to excite and motivate them to reach their creative passions. Students also have the opportunity to take part in a dance study tour to New York every two years, as well as competing in a national dance competition in Queensland.

The BCDA’s Focus

The Berwick College Dance Academy (BCDA) aims to provide an integrated academic pathway driven by young students’ dance and performing arts aspirations.

This elite program allows young students to enhance and develop their dancing talent while concurrently receiving their secondary education. It is crucial to the BCDA that students’ academic pursuits are of the highest priority and that each student’s interest and aspiration in dance assists them in achieving high results both academically and within dance.

the bCDA’s commitment

  • Providing strong pastoral care for all students
  • Constant monitoring of academic performance and achievements
  • Providing a unique high quality specialised dance program, allowing students to reach their full potential in their selected area of dance
  • Creating skills within the Academy’s students to provide unique opportunities aimed at future employment
  • Use of reflective practice
  • Making increased use of national and local arts resources
  • Embracing challenge, innovation and change.

the bCDA’s student commitment

Successful applicants will be required to sign a Dance Academy Behaviour Contract which outlines their commitment to the academy. Students will be required to attend minimal rehearsals outside of school hours, however, to ensure students are able to fit in all core subjects, period zero classes will be running for some year levels. A period zero class commences at 8am and concludes at 8:50am.

The contract also outlines that if academic achievement in all core subjects is not at a satisfactory level students will be placed on a warning and, if there is no improvement, students may be asked to exit the BCDA.

The bCDA’s classroom

Our classroom includes:

  • Inspiration from a broad range of sources, including dance styles from different cultures
  • Offering unique opportunities in the Arts and historical contexts
  • Opportunities to transfer skills, knowledge and understanding from the classroom into the workplace and the broader community
  • Self and peer evaluations where students regularly review and amend their work opportunities to explore and develop knowledge of local and global values
  • Opportunities to work in diverse teams within and beyond the school
  • Challenging tasks that allow students to create, justify and reflect on their learning
  • Encouragement for students to be independent in the completion of tasks
  • Investigations and inquiries that require sustained thinking and deep understanding